Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Health update on aging silverback gorilla

Posted by: Caileigh Robertson, Communications

UPDATE: Vip is recovering from his CT scan, which revealed findings consistent with a severe sinus infection. We are working with a consultation team led by doctors from the University of Washington Department of Otolaryngology (ears, nose and throat) to plan for a near-future surgery to resolve this infection. We’re hoping for a positive outcome for Vip and are cautiously optimistic he’ll make a full recovery. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and well wishes—it means so much to us!

“In recent days, Vip has shown signs of a complicated sinus infection,” said Dr. Darin Collins, Director of Animal Health at Woodland Park Zoo. “Vip has unfortunately not responded as expected to recent treatments, which are often effective in treating a more routine nasal infection, so he will undergo a CT scan to determine an accurate diagnosis. Due to Vip’s age, his response to current treatments, and the chronic nature of his condition, the prognosis remains guarded at this time.”

Vip’s upcoming procedure is provided by in-kind support from the local medical community, under the direction of Collins and the zoo’s animal health team.

“As always, we are providing Vip excellent care and treatment,” said Collins. “Just like with humans, there is always a risk when animal procedures require anesthesia. Our dedicated zookeepers and veterinary team are taking every precaution to prepare Vip for a safe and successful examination. We are grateful to have strong support from the regional medical community volunteering resources for Vip’s procedure, and expect to provide updated information on Vip’s health status and treatment plan later this week.”

Vip, named for being a Very Important Primate, is one of Woodland Park Zoo’s adult male western lowland gorillas. Visitors and keepers know silverback Vip as the bedrock of his gorilla group, acting as both a leader and peacekeeper. He shares the zoo’s East exhibit with four females including daughters Calaya and Uzumma, and adult mates Amanda and Jumoke. Since arriving at the zoo in 1996, Vip has sired six daughters and continues to be a supporting figure for his group.

Woodland Park Zoo supports conservation efforts for the critically endangered species through the Mbeli Bai Study, one of the zoo’s Partners for Wildlife. The study researches the social organization and behaviors of more than 400 lowland gorillas living in the southwest of Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. The data collected enables scientists to assess the vulnerability of populations to habitat threats and predict their ability to recover from decline.